Editors' Review

Vendetta Online for Mac offers a uniquely designed and well implemented MMORPG, and seems like a can't-miss proposition for the avid gamer. If you're new to this type of game, the basics are surprisingly easy to learn, thanks to its introductory "training mission." The download and setup may take a bit longer but are well worth the wait.

The game's download is 250MB large, so expect to wait a while to play if your connection is slow. Once the download completes and the game is launched, another 31MB of updates need to be downloaded, and you'll be on your way. A game character guides the user through the initial setup, where they are able to create a character, select a ship, and align with the nation of their choice. The game is played from the point of view of a space pilot in a ship, and the training mission helps the user get comfortable with the displays, radar, and controls. Within minutes, you'll launch from a space station, fly around exploring, blow up some drone ships, and dock back at the station. From there you are free to fly around the universe and, more importantly, read the manual. As with any fantasy role-playing game, the universe in Vendetta Online for Mac is immersive and vast, and it may take some time to get your bearings. The free trial gives you eight hours of playtime to test it out, which seems like just enough to get you hooked and ready to pay the monthly fee.

Vendetta Online for Mac's multiplayer universe is dazzling to look at and the gameplay is straightforward and engaging. If you're an avid gamer or a fan of EVE Online, then you'll probably like this game.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Vendetta Online for Mac 1.8.254.

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Publisher's Description

Vendetta Online is a massive multiplayer game that permits thousands of players to interact as the pilots of spaceships in a vast universe. Users may build their characters in any direction they desire, becoming rich captains of industry, military heros, or outlaws. A fast-paced, realtime "twitch" style combat model gives intense action, coupled with the backdrop of RPG gameplay in a massive online galaxy. Three major player factions form a delicate balance of power, with several NPC sub-factions creating situations of economic struggle, political intrigue and conflict. The completely persistent universe and detailed storyline add to the depth of immersion, resulting in a unique online experience.

What's new in this version:

- Fixed issue with not being able to type in chat while jumping and warping.
- When alt-tabbing out in full screen DirectX 11 mode, alt-tabbing back will return to full screen mode.
- The wireframe radar extender effect is now visible in DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.
- The Windows executable binaries are now signed with a certificate.
- The DirectX 11 version now uses a different shadow technique (Poisson PCF with slope-based depth bias), also implemented across al...
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I've played this game since 2003 and haven't regretted it since. It is truly one of a kind and has its own special way of making you feel like you are part of a large galaxy where things are happening all the time. It takes a while to get in to, definitely give it at least the 8 hour free trial and bear in mind that this is only the tip of the iceberg. PvP Combat is easy to get in to but takes a lifetime to master, requiring hot reflexes and expansive 3D spatial awareness. The first person perspective and twitch controls put *you* at the helm of a futuristic spaceship. Levels of immersion are plentiful with an entirely unique writing system (the language of Galactic Trade Standard) a massive backstory and roleplay forums. Player competitions include weekly nation wars, duel ladders, race track monthly winners, and personal Vendettas. After you've played 25 hours you have the option of joining the PCC, a group of players dedicated to improving the game by adding content. I have submitted 64 missions which have been added to the game so far involving various storylines, so come play and experience what myself and others have created as the game world continues to grow and evolve!

Recent major changes include the Android version of the game and the addition of craftable player-owned capital ships. The crafting tree to create a Cap Ship takes months, literally, and we're all still racing each other to be the first.

This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.I've played the game for 6 mos. and definitely feel it's an excellent game. This is especially so because it the product of only 4 developers. The game is a live action space game where you actually fly your ships manually. You can engage in trading of goods from station to station, Mining of ore from asteroids, personal combat, war battles with capital ship into which you can dock for repairs and rearming, combat with robot ships, etc. The game visuals are terrific, very detailed live action 3D. I've never seen a better game. Also there are updates almost every week as listed here. Well worth the very reasonable cost for such a large involved reality simulation. Oh yes, there's a really terrific bunch of people playing this game, too!

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Full Specifications

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What's new in version 1.8.327

- Fixed issue with not being able to type in chat while jumping and warping.
- When alt-tabbing out in full screen DirectX 11 mode, alt-tabbing back will return to full screen mode.
- The wireframe radar extender effect is now visible in DirectX 11 and OpenGL 4.
- The Windows executable binaries are now signed with a certificate.
- The DirectX 11 version now uses a different shadow technique (Poisson PCF with slope-based depth bias), also implemented across all OpenGL 4 versions.
- Very experimental, optional OpenGL 4 driver added to MacOS X. Switching drivers is a little strange, and a full game re-start may be needed to avoid graphics corruption. We're still working on it, this is an optional early-access, use at your own risk.
- Fixed the capship shield effect not rendering properly.
- The glow effect should now work on the experimental OpenGL 4 driver.
- A plugins/ folder is now automatically created on first run for the Android version.
- Changed the default active button for the EULA menu.
- The 'Play' button is now automatically made the active button when changing characters.
- When a menu is closed and it doesn't have active focus, the current active focus control no longer gets unfocused.
- Fixed a couple of lua errors.